Yorktown Chamber Awards Scholarships to 10 Students

Ten graduating seniors from area high schools were awarded scholarships by the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce at a dinner ceremony at Little Sorrento restaurant on Monday, July 16, hosted by the proprietors Gina and Paul DiPaterio.

The Chamber's scholarship committee chair, Marc Saidel of law firm Saidel & Saidel, P.C., said, the 10 awards presented were "more than ever before," thanks to a record sum of money raised.

There were 22 applicants from Lakeland, Walter Panas and Yorktown High Schools. "These are all highly accomplished, impressive young adults. Selecting winners was not an easy task."

Chamber president Eric DiBartolo said, "The event is an awesome testimony to how the Chamber contributes to the community. Watching the look on the parents' faces as their child was being honored was priceless!"

In addition to reviewing academic grade transcripts, extra-curricular activities, and an essay, the committee interviews each applicant.

Among leading donors to the scholarship fund this year were Douglas and Laura Petri, sponsors of an annual $2,500 award in memory of Constance M. Petri, John Recchia of DAS Auto Parts, Burger King, and Furci's restaurant for hosting a "dine and donate" evening that benefited the scholarship fund.

Other than the $ 2,500 Petri award (presented to Brielle Furci), each of the other nine scholarship winners received $1,000.

Pictured (from left) at the dinner ceremony are Little Sorrento co-owner (with wife Gina) Paul DiPaterio; scholarship committee member and Hart Library director Pat Hallinan; scholarship committee co-chairs Sheri Saidel and Marc Saidel; scholarship recipients: Lakeland High students Julianna Christopoulos, Timothy Callery, Jhoelly Duque; Yorktown High students Hunter Embury, Caitlin O'Donnell, Clancy Schwartz, Brielle Furci, Carson Furci; and Walter Panas High student Dylan Coleman (not pictured: Panas student Victoria Tataranowicz). Photo by Bruce Apar